Container systems and kits

ABSTRACT

Systems have a first container and a second container removably joined by an intermediate member, the intermediate member forming a partial seal for the first container. The intermediate member includes an attachment area including a fastener for removably attaching the second container to the intermediate member. The attachment area and fastener are configured so that a portion of an upper surface of the intermediate member is accessible and visible to a user when the second container is attached to the intermediate member. In systems where the first container holds a liquid, the intermediate member includes a puncturable area for a straw or other conduit, and may include indicators for different drinks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of containers, andmore specifically to container systems and kits including a removablecontainer lid for a first container such as a cup, the lid having areceptacle for removably attaching a second container to the lid.

2. Background Art

A few general types of plastic drink lids exist. Most common is thepress-on plastic lid with straw slot. Another is the press-onre-sealable plastic lid. Yet another is the hot beverage sip-throughslotted lid. Plastic lids for cups provide a way to keep beverages fromspilling and safely allow users to drink while transporting thebeverage.

Often when users are consuming a drink that is held in a cup with theaforementioned plastic lid, they are also consuming various foodproducts that are held in separate containers. Having multiplecontainers of food and beverage can be problematic for the consumer, whomay have difficulty carrying so many containers. This is especially trueof people who are consuming food and beverage while driving in a vehicleand have a limited capacity to hold so many containers.

As may be seen, the need remains for a new type of container system,particularly for two or more food items, that would be much moreconvenient for the consumer, and would make traveling while eating anddrinking much safer.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, container systems and/or kitsare presented which reduce or overcome one or more of the aboveshortcomings.

A first system embodiment comprises:

-   -   a) a first container and a second container removably joined by        an intermediate member, the intermediate member forming a        partial seal for the first container;    -   b) the intermediate member comprising at least one attachment        area comprising at least one fastener for removably attaching        the second container to the intermediate member, the at least        one attachment area and at least one fastener configured so that        at least a portion of an upper surface of the intermediate        member is accessible and visible to a user when the second        container is attached to the intermediate member.

A second system embodiment comprises:

-   -   a) a first container and a second container removably joined by        a lid on the first container, the lid forming a partial seal for        the first container;    -   b) the lid comprising at least one attachment area comprising at        least one fastener for removably attaching the second container        to the lid, the at least one attachment area and at least one        fastener configured so that at least a portion of an upper        surface of the lid is accessible and visible to a user when the        second container is attached to the intermediate member, at        least a portion of the at least one attachment area being on the        upper surface of the lid;    -   c) the upper surface of the lid comprising one or more drink        indicators in one or more areas outside of the attachment area;        and    -   d) the lid comprising one or more puncturable areas configured        to allow a straw or other conduit to puncture the puncturable        areas and access contents of the first container, with or        without the second container attached to the lid.

A third system embodiment comprises:

-   -   a) a first container and a second container removably joined by        a lid removably attached to an upper lip of the first container,        the lid and lip forming a partial seal for the first container,        the lid having an upper surface;    -   b) the lid comprising at least one female fastener portion on        the upper surface for removably attaching one or more        corresponding male portions on a bottom of the second container        to the lid, the at least one female fastener configured so that        at least a portion of the upper surface of the lid is accessible        and visible to a user when the second container is attached to        the lid;    -   c) the upper surface of the lid comprising one or more drink        indicators viewable to a user even when the second container is        attached to the lid; and    -   d) the lid comprising one or more puncturable areas configured        to allow a straw or other conduit to puncture the puncturable        areas and access contents of the first container, with or        without the second container attached to the lid.

Before attachment of the first container to the intermediate member, orbefore the attachment of the second container to the intermediate memberand the intermediate member to the first container, the unattachedcomponents may be described as a kit. Kits may include packaging, suchas bubble wrap packaging enclosing the components so that they may bedisplayed for sale.

Further aspects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent byreviewing the detailed description, drawings figures, and claims of thatfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, with some parts in phantom, ofone system embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view, with some parts inphantom, of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of an intermediate member in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic close-up side elevation view of the secondcontainer of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view of the fastener used in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5;

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 are schematic perspective views, with some partsin phantom, of four other system embodiments in accordance with thisdisclosure.

It is to be noted, however, that the figures of the appended drawingsmay not be to scale and illustrate only typical embodiments of thisdisclosure, and are therefore not to be considered limiting of itsscope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effectiveembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to providean understanding of the disclosed methods and systems for carrying outthe methods. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the methods and systems may be practiced without these details andthat numerous variations or modifications from the specificallydescribed embodiments may be possible and are deemed within the claimsor claimable subject matter in this or subsequent patents. All UnitedStates (U.S.) published patent applications and U.S. Patents referencedherein are hereby explicitly incorporated herein by reference. In theevent definitions of terms in the referenced patents and applicationsconflict with how those terms are defined in the present application,the definitions for those terms that are provided in the presentapplication shall be deemed controlling.

The present disclosure relates generally to container systems,particularly, but not limited to, container systems for food. While thefollowing detailed description describes features primarily associatedwith food containers, those skilled in the container art will realizethat with no or simple modifications the specifically describedcontainers may be employed in a variety of uses. One particularlyidentified embodiment comprises a plastic lid for drinking cups, the lidhaving one or more straw slots, and the lid including a female part onthe top surface of the lid, which would attach to the bottom of aseparate food receptacle (for example a French fry container) which hasthe corresponding male part on the bottom of the French fry container.The two units would have the ability to attach together, creating auser-friendly, more convenient way of containing for the food and drinkitems. The two units may also be usable separately, if desired. Alengthened straw may be necessary in order to consume the beverage whilethe food receptacle is attached to the lid.

More generally, the systems and kits of the present disclosure maycomprise a first container and a second container removably joined by anintermediate member, the intermediate member forming a partial seal forthe first container, the intermediate member comprising at least oneattachment area comprising at least one fastener for removably attachingthe second container to the intermediate member, the at least oneattachment area and at least one fastener configured so that at least aportion of an upper surface of the intermediate member is accessible andvisible to a user when the second container is attached to theintermediate member.

In certain system embodiments, at least a portion of the at least oneattachment area may be on the upper surface of the intermediate member.

In certain system embodiments, at least a portion of the at least oneattachment area may be on a side surface of the intermediate member.

In certain system embodiments, the fastener may be selected from thegroup consisting of hook and loop fasteners, clasps, snap fasteners,press-studs, double-sided tape, T-joint fasteners, quickconnect/disconnect fasteners, quick release fasteners, self-clinchingfasteners, self-locking fasteners, quarter turn fasteners, dogs, and thelike.

In certain system embodiments, the containers and intermediate membermay independently comprise materials selected from the group consistingof natural materials, synthetic materials, composite materials, and anycombination of these.

In certain system embodiments, the containers and intermediate membermaterials may comprise one or more synthetic materials.

In certain system embodiments, the synthetic materials may be polymeric,such as thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, thermosettingplastics, and the like, and the materials may contain one or moreadditives and/or coatings, such as fillers, coloring agents, pigments,and the like. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials includepolyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. Hybrid or composite materialsmay be used, for example, polymer-coated cardboard, and the like. Incertain embodiments the containers and/or intermediate members mayinclude embedded printing and/or surface printing thereon or therein.Layered materials may be used. Foamed polymeric materials, such asfoamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamed polyisocyanurate, foamedpolyethylene, foamed rubbers, such as foamed polyvinylchloride/acrylonitrile butadiene (PVC/NBR) rubber, and the like, mayalso be used. Commercial products, such as the materials known under thetrade designations “Ensolite®” and “OleTex®”, both available from RBXIndustries, Inc., Roanoke, Va., USA, may find use as containers and/orintermediate members. Products known under the trade designation“Ensolite®” are made in many varieties, but are all essentiallyvariations of PVC/NBR foamed polymers having maximum water absorption of0.1 lb/ft² when tested using American Society of Testing Materials(ASTM) test D-1667. The products under the OleTex® product line arehigh-performance, closed cell polyolefin foams, chemically cross-linkedusing a patented, continuous processing method. The materials are closedcell and moisture proof. These products can be die cut, heat sealed,vacuum formed, and heat molded. Glass materials may be used if they maybe appropriately made or modified to include the removability andpuncturability features described herein. Leather is a preferred naturalmaterial. The material of choice will depend on many factors, includingthe weight of the systems, the type and amount of fluids and othercontents to be held, and the desires of the user. Local regulations,such as food and drug regulations, may also direct or limit materials.

In certain system embodiments, at least one of the synthetic materialsmay be cardboard or paperboard.

In certain system embodiments, the intermediate member may comprise aplastic lid and the at least one attachment area and the at least onefastener may comprise a single snap fastener on the upper surface of thelid.

In certain system embodiments, the snap fastener may comprise a femaleportion integral with the upper surface of the lid and a male portionintegral with the second container.

In certain system embodiments, the snap fastener may comprise a maleportion integral with the upper surface of the lid and a female portionintegral with the second container.

In certain system embodiments, the upper surface of the lid may compriseone or more drink indicators in one or more areas outside of theattachment area.

In certain system embodiments, the lid may comprise one or morepuncturable areas configured to allow a straw or other conduit topuncture at least one of the puncturable areas and access contents ofthe first container, with or without the second container attached tothe lid.

Certain embodiments may comprise a single-piece intermediate memberserving as a lid for two or more first containers, the upper surfacehaving one or more attachment areas including one or more fasteners, orportions of fasteners, as detailed herein. In certain of theseembodiments the first container may be a single container having one ormore internal barriers separating the single container into two or moresub-containers. The intermediate member may include a hinged region.

Referring now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspectiveview, with some parts in phantom, of one system embodiment 100 of thedisclosure. Embodiment 100 comprises a first container 2 and a secondcontainer 4. Second container 4 is removably attached to an intermediatemember or lid 6, and lid 6 is removably attached to first container 2. Astraw 20 is included in embodiment 100, and its positioning is morefully explained with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view, with some parts inphantom, of embodiment 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates howstraw 20 passes through a puncturable area 16 in lid 6, and when thesystem is fitted together for use, straw 20 extends into first container2. Also depicted in FIG. 2 is an upper surface 8 of lid 6, and anattachment area 10. Attachment area 10 includes, in embodiment 100, afemale portion of a snap fastener. A male portion 14 of the snapfastener resides on an underside of second container 4. Another,optional feature in embodiment 100 is the provision of drink indicators18, which in embodiment 100 comprise pliable plastic bubbles as areknown in the fast food industry. Finally, embodiment 100 includes a rimportion on lid 6 that sealingly engages a rim 26 on first container 24.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of embodiment 100 illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating further the physical relationship offirst container 2, second container 4, straw 20, and lid 6 in systemembodiment 100.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of an intermediate member or lid inaccordance with the present disclosure, illustrating one possibleposition of attachment area 10, puncturable area 16, and drinkindicators 18.

FIG. 5 is a schematic close-up side elevation view of the secondcontainer of embodiment 100, illustrating male portion 14, and FIG. 6 isa close-up schematic exploded view of the fastener used in embodiment100, illustrating an extension 26 and a connector rib 28 of male portion14 on first container 2, and a receptacle 30 having a locking receiver32 for accepting and removable attaching second container 2 to uppersurface 8 of lid 6. When second container 2 is moved toward uppersurface 8, rib 28 enters and snaps into receptacle 30 and removablylocks into receiver 32.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 are schematic perspective views, with some partsin phantom, of four other system embodiments in accordance with thisdisclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates embodiment 200, which differs fromembodiment 100 only in having a different mechanism for attachment ofsecond container 204 to lid 6 and first container 202. Embodiment 200includes a dog extension 40 having a set of dogs that engage mating dogs42 on upper reaches of first container 202. Embodiment may have anotherset of dogs on the opposite side of the system, and may or may not havea snap attachment as illustrated in relation to embodiment 100.

Embodiment 300 illustrated schematically in FIG. 8 comprises two firstcontainers 302 removably attached to a single-piece intermediate memberor lid 306, with two second containers 304 removably attached to lid 306using snap fasteners as previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-3and 5-6. Another snap fastener optionally allows a condiment container308 to be removably attached, such as a ketchup or sauce container.Those of skill in this art will recognize that more than one fastenerfor more than one condiment container could easily be provided incertain embodiments. Straws 320 may also be provided.

Embodiment 400 illustrated schematically in FIG. 9 comprises asingle-piece intermediate member 406 serving as a lid for a firstcontainer 402. Upper surface 409 of intermediate member 406 comprisesseveral attachment areas including fasteners as described in referenceto FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 for removably attaching second containers 404 andcondiment containers 408. Intermediate member 406 may optionally includea hinged region 412. Straws 420 pass through puncturable areas aspreviously described. In embodiment 400, first container 402 is a singlecontainer having one or more internal barriers 410 separating firstcontainer 402 into two or more sub-containers.

Embodiment 500 illustrated schematically in perspective view on FIG. 10also comprises a single-piece intermediate member 506 removably attachedto four first containers 502. Removably attached to an upper surface 509of intermediate member 506 are two second containers 504, as well as twocondiment containers 508 and 510. Embodiment 500 may be useful for foodorders involving four drinks that are carried in a cardboard drinkholder (not illustrated).

Fasteners are common and require no further explanation. One preferredhook and loop fastener is that known under the trade designationVelcro®, available from Velcro USA, Manchester, N.H. Double-sided tapesare widely available, as are dog connectors, snap connectors, and thelike.

The various embodiments of the disclosure allow consumers or commercialusers flexibility in their lifestyle, for example when it is necessaryto leave the home or office for a short time period for a scheduled orunscheduled event, such as a doctor appointment, a trip to the grocerystore for a recipe item, or similar trips. Other uses no doubt will cometo the minds of consumers and commercial user, and those end uses ofsystems described herein are considered within the present disclosure

Although the foregoing detailed description is intended to berepresentative of the disclosure, it is not intended to in any way limitthe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a) a first container and asecond container removably joined by an intermediate member, theintermediate member forming a partial seal for the first container; b)the intermediate member comprising at least one attachment areacomprising at least one fastener for removably attaching the secondcontainer to the intermediate member, the at least one attachment areaand at least one fastener configured so that at least a portion of anupper surface of the intermediate member is accessible and visible to auser when the second container is attached to the intermediate member.2. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the at least oneattachment area is on the upper surface of the intermediate member. 3.The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the at least oneattachment area is on a side surface of the intermediate member.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the fastener is selected from the groupconsisting of hook and loop fasteners, clasps, snap fasteners,press-studs, double-sided tape, T-joint fasteners, quickconnect/disconnect fasteners, quick release fasteners, self-clinchingfasteners, self-locking fasteners, and quarter turn fasteners.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4 wherein the containers and intermediate memberindependently comprise materials selected from the group consisting ofnatural and synthetic materials.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein thecontainers and intermediate member material comprise one or moresynthetic materials.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the syntheticmaterials are plastic.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein at least one ofthe synthetic materials is cardboard.
 9. The system of claim 2 whereinthe intermediate member comprises a plastic lid and the at least oneattachment area and the at least one fastener comprises a single snapfastener on the upper surface of the lid.
 10. The system of claim 9wherein the snap fastener comprises a female portion integral with theupper surface of the lid and a male portion integral with the secondcontainer.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein the snap fastener comprisesa male portion integral with the upper surface of the lid and a femaleportion integral with the second container.
 12. The system of claim 10wherein the upper surface of the lid comprises one or more drinkindicators in one or more areas outside of the attachment area.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the lid comprises one or more puncturableareas configured to allow a straw or other conduit to puncture thepuncturable areas and access contents of the first container, with orwithout the second container attached to the lid.
 14. A systemcomprising: a) a first container and a second container removably joinedby a lid on the first container, the lid forming a partial seal for thefirst container; b) the lid comprising at least one attachment areacomprising at least one fastener for removably attaching the secondcontainer to the lid, the at least one attachment area and at least onefastener configured so that at least a portion of an upper surface ofthe lid is accessible and visible to a user when the second container isattached to the intermediate member, at least a portion of the at leastone attachment area being on the upper surface of the lid; c) the uppersurface of the lid comprising one or more drink indicators in one ormore areas outside of the attachment area; and d) the lid comprising oneor more puncturable areas configured to allow a straw or other conduitto puncture the puncturable areas and access contents of the firstcontainer, with or without the second container attached to the lid. 15.The system of claim 14 wherein the fastener is selected from the groupconsisting of hook and loop fasteners, clasps, snap fasteners,press-studs, double-sided tape, T-joint fasteners, quickconnect/disconnect fasteners, quick release fasteners, self-clinchingfasteners, self-locking fasteners, and quarter turn fastener.
 16. Thesystem of claim 14 wherein the containers and lid independently comprisematerials selected from the group consisting of natural and syntheticmaterials.
 17. The system of claim 14 wherein the lid and the at leastone attachment area and the at least one fastener comprises a singlesnap fastener on the upper surface of the lid.
 18. The system of claim14 wherein the snap fastener comprises a female portion integral withthe upper surface of the lid and a male portion integral with the secondcontainer.
 19. The system of claim 14 wherein the snap fastenercomprises a male portion integral with the upper surface of the lid anda female portion integral with the second container.
 20. A systemcomprising: a) a first container and a second container removably joinedby a lid removably attached to an upper lip of the first container, thelid and lip forming a partial seal for the first container, the lidhaving an upper surface; b) the lid comprising at least one femalefastener portion on the upper surface for removably attaching one ormore corresponding male portions on a bottom of the second container tothe lid, the at least one female fastener configured so that at least aportion of the upper surface of the lid is accessible and visible to auser when the second container is attached to the lid; c) the uppersurface of the lid comprising one or more drink indicators viewable to auser even when the second container is attached to the lid; and d) thelid comprising one or more puncturable areas configured to allow a strawor other conduit to puncture the puncturable areas and access contentsof the first container, with or without the second container attached tothe lid.
 21. A kit comprising the system of claim 1.